I love to sew…obviously. But I also really like to be a mom too. When it comes to my most valuable currency these days, it is overwhelmingly time. So its often a tricky balance to figure out what needs to be sewn and what I ought to just buy.
I usually go through a mental check list before I decide to buy… Can I make it for significantly less money than I can buy it for? Is the quality of what I make significantly better than what I can purchase? Do I have time? Is it worth it to me to have custom (often matching) items? Is what I make significantly cuter than what I can buy? If the answers to the majority of my questions are yes, then I go ahead and sew the item(s). If the majority of my answers are no, then I purchase.
Swim suits, coverups, monogrammed puddle jumper covers seem to all fall in my list of purchases, not makes, every year. I’ve gotten several questions about my favorite products for pool and lake days, so I decided I’d make a list for you all.
My love affair with Beaufort Bonnet is no secret. I purchase their swimsuits every single year. I find them to be the most appropriate, tasteful, sweetest suits. They do a fantastic job of making matching sibling sets and often have fun pieces for mom and dad too. All of the swim suits above are from Beaufort Bonnet and linked below. 1. Wave Spotter Swim Shirt 2. Hyannis Stripe Diaper Cover 3. Rodeo Drive Ruffle Swim Suit 4. Turtle Bay Swim Trunks 11. Brookhaven Bow Bathing Suit
Hands down my most favorite sandals for summer are these Footmates sandals. The look like the classic clasp closure sandals, but they’re secretly velcro! They hold up and look brand new even after wears in creeks, sand, dirt, pools, etc. These are the best quality sandals I’ve ever found. I also love that the “boys'” version is unisex and comes in a TON of colors. 5. Girl’s Ariel Hook-and-Loop and Buckle Perf Sandal 6. Boy’s Tide Hook-and-Loop and Buckle Sandal
I had a very hard time convincing myself not to make the kids coverups this year. Until I found these blanks boutique options. These are priced right (under $10!) and the quality is impeccable. They even send a matching fabric swatch to use as an appliqué. 7. Girls Terry Cloth Swim Cover Up 8. Boys Terry Cloth Swim Cover Shirt.
The last items I love are these puddle jumpers. My kids aren’t ready to be without some form of support for swimming so these are perfect. They aren’t insanely bulky and they’re very reasonably priced. This one is gender neutral. We’ve had Maria’s for three years now and it is still holding up! I have decided to use these covers so the kids match (why not right?). It was quite difficult to get this cover on, and I did end up ripping and resewing a seam when I put it on the puddle jumper…So quality-wise I’d give these a C. However, if you’ve seen any of the boutiques selling them they’re usually two to three times the price. So these will do for us for now! I’ll keep you updated on if I find any others.
Hope ya’ll enjoyed this post! What are some things that you don’t sew? What do you prefer to buy? I’d love to hear your must-makes/must-purchase ideas.
Disclaimer: Several of the items above are affiliate links, I will make a small advertising fee if you purchase using my links. I also post things with which I am not affiliated (blanks boutiques) that I just truly love. I only recommend items that are tried and true for me and my kids.
